Barcelona had to get RFEF approval to host Real Sociedad at Monjtuic on Sunday | OneFootball

As FC Barcelona await the green light to reopen the Spotify Camp Nou, they have had to play their home games elsewhere so far this season.

The first two home matches of the La Liga campaign, against Valencia and Getafe, were held at Estadi Johan Cruyff after the league granted special permission for two matches.

But with Camp Nou not receiving the requiste licences this past weekend either, Barça had to host Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic – their home for the last two seasons.

Barcelona needed RFEF authorisation for the game

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona had to receive special permission and authorisation from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in order to play the match at the Montjuic Stadium on Sunday.

Barcelona submitted a written request to the RFEF on 26 September, two days before the game, requesting permission for the change of venue. The reason given was the impossibility of playing at Camp Nou.

Barcelona played Real Sociedad at Montjuic. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

In their request, Barça explained how it was ‘impossible’ for the game to be played at their proper home and also cited the unavailability of Estadi Johan Cruyff, their previous alternative.

The Blaugrana’s request was approved by the Sole Judge of Professional Competitions on the same day, citing Article 56 a., and Article 227 of the Statutes of the RFEF, which permits a club to determine and hold a game at an alternative venue under special circumstances.

The judge ruled: “To uphold the request that the match corresponding to the 7th round of the First Division National League Championship to be played between F.C. Barcelona and Real Sociedad de Fútbol, S.A.D., be held at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona.”

Barcelona will again play at the Montjuic Stadium this week, but in the UEFA Champions League, where they host PSG.

The idea is for the Blaugrana to return to Camp Nou for their next home game in La Liga, which will be on 18 October, against Girona.